The Master of Arts in Religious Education

MARE Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Religious Education Degree

The Master of Arts in Religious Education, both in our fully online and hybrid flex format, is designed to prepare students to serve as dynamic, relevant, and adaptive educational faith and thought leaders in a wide range of Christian ministries. Students identify their preferred format at the time they apply. Graduates of the MARE are equipped with the training and skills necessary to lead, develop, and design educational programs within churches, schools, and other institutional settings.

Program Requirements

Master of Arts in Religious Education Program

Program Requirements

The Master of Arts in Religious Education degree program is open to women and men who:

possess a BA, BS, or equivalent undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college (applicants holding degrees or diplomas from another country may be required to provide a translated copy and to provide further information to help the admissions committee determine equivalency).

demonstrate evidence of an ability to do graduate-level study, primarily assessed through the written answers to the application essay questions and through recommendations.

are able to articulate in a manner that is appropriate to their own experience and faith tradition an understanding of their call to serve in the specialized area of religious education.
currently belong to a community of faith that recognizes or expects the applicant to exercise his or her calling to religious education; or be willing to work within such a community of faith, exercising her or his calling to religious education.

The Master of Arts in Religious Education

Youth Ministry Concentration

The Youth Ministry concentration offers students in the MARE the option of focusing their studies on youth ministry. Participants complete a common core of religious education and youth ministry courses during the first and second year of study, participate in a monthly mentoring seminar, and undertake a culminating capstone project in a youth ministry-related area within religious education.

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Welcome to New York Theological Seminary!

We are excited about what God is doing in the life of NYTS and I am honored to serve as the 12th and first woman President.

The more I learn about the history and service of NYTS, the more I appreciate the unlimited possibilities of our bold future. For over 120 years, NYTS has been a sacred space dedicated to providing a relevant theological education that prepares men and women to serve humanity.

Through the creative collaboration of students, faculty, staff, alumni and trustees, we have begun to reimagine what NYTS represents in our community and our world. While political turmoil, social upheaval, and economic crises narrate our current reality, NYTS continues to shine as a beacon of hope for those called to serve humanity.

Here at NYTS, we prepare students to be creative, innovative and relevant in their ministry context. We promote deeper engagement and authentic relationships with the Creator and all of creation. You will encounter a relevant and rigorous theological education that is accessible, inclusive and transformative. These sacred experiences will encourage you to evolve in your theological understanding, and help you to realize your unlimited potential.

If you want to be a part of a diverse and inclusive community of learners acquiring the resources, tools, and strategies for effective leadership, NYTS is the place for you. If you are seeking to be prepared to engage in prophetic and transformative ministry, NYTS is the place for you. If you are seeking to lead an organization that promotes love and respect for the Creator and creation throughout the world, NYTS is the place for you. We are committed now more than ever to prepare faith and thought leaders to engage, relevant, restorative, and revolutionary ministry and our graduates leave NYTS equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to be leaders and thinkers in today’s world.

We invite you to learn more about us by participating in our upcoming events, exploring our website, and engaging with us via our social media channels. I look forward to welcoming you to our NYTS family as we honor our bright past and embrace our bold future.

Blessings,

Reverend LaKeesha Walrond, Ph.D.
President

MARE Alumni in Action

Master of Arts in Religious Studies Alumni

Master of Arts in Religious Education